Knee pain physiotherapy treatment

Knee pain is a very common issue seen at our Broadbeach physiotherapy clinic. Knee pain can be the result of trauma eg a fall, sporting injury or accident or it can be a progressive injury through overuse or a change in the knees normal load tolerance. Eg Starting a new sport or increasing the amount running you do too quickly.

 

Often as a result of the pain we see a change in normal movement patterns with subsequent weakness in the surrounding knee and hip muscles. A change in the normal function or strength of the thigh muscles can lead to increased loads through the knee joint which can lead to ongoing pain and dysfunction. Common symptoms include pain with squatting down, pain with walking up and down stairs on slopes and walking or running.

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Do I need a scan to assess my knee injury properly?

 

Scans are generally only needed after significant trauma or if the symptoms are indicating something sinister. Most knee pain issues do not need x-rays or scan to accurately diagnose and effectively treat.

 

It's interesting to note that a large study performed a few years ago demonstrated many pain-free knees have large amounts of 'pathology' seen on scans.  See table below

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Ref: Adam Meakins

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After a thorough physiotherapy assessment and diagnosis of the knee pain, the appropriate treatment needed to restore normal mobility and strength can be commenced.  As strength and pain improve specific exercises targeting the individuals needs can be integrated.

 

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Surgery vs physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation

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In a recent study from last year comparing 'Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients: randomised controlled trial with two year follow-up' no clinically relevant difference between the two groups was found at two years follow up. This significant finding has questioned the need for many current arthroscopic surgeries for knee pain.

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If you are suffering from knee pain that is not settling then book in for a detailed assessment and treatment by our expert Broadbeach physiotherapists to get back on your feet and enjoying the activities you love.